The Rich ARE Different….I’m Just Sayin’

On the heels of a New York Magazine article, “The Money-Empathy Gap” was the coverage of the funeral for Nora Ephron at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center. (I mention the venue because that alone should suggest some level of civility). Here’s how the article and the event are linked in my mind.

The article describes new research suggesting that having more money makes people act less human or at least less humane. The research on the effects of socioeconomic status on behavior involved isolating a variety of human impulses, including empathy, ethics and generosity. Spoiler alert: You may be one of the blessed if you are NOT in the 1%. There is research that demonstrates the extent to which people with money behave as if the world revolves around them, their various anti-social behaviors, and that they are more willing to hurt others in the quest for money.

Okay…so what’s the connection between the article and Nora Ephron’s funeral? (An amazing lady). The coverage (or lack thereof) of the “rich” showed where they blew it, for me. A bit more civility and respect in what the .00001 % wear at public events. Please. We are watching you, ‘cause you are the ones who make the news. I do hope the proverbial 99% were not influenced by the people they saw at the funeral in magazines or on the news.

Our clothing is a symbol. A Costume. A Statement. What we choose to wear in social or public situations (work, life events like weddings, funerals, etc.) speaks loudly about our values and how we would like to be seen. Or at least it used to and I didn’t get the new memo. What we wear to certain events shows respect or lack thereof. (I’m the first to grant myself and everyone else absolution of what we look like going to the gym, Starbucks, etc.) But at public events when is it ignorance and when is it intent? When does it matter?

Let’s take your average billionaire power couple Diane von Furstenberg and Barry Diller. I saw their boat the EOS docked at 79th Street and here’s what it says when I “googled” the EOS:

The Eos is a three-masted Bermuda rigged schooner. The ship is one of the largest private sailing yachts in the world, and as of 2009 was owned by movie and media billionaire Barry Diller[3], husband of fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg.[4] Its overall length measures approximately 305 feet (92.92m).[1]

Sorry Ms. von Furstenberg (fashion icon) at your friend Nora’s funeral your bra strap was showing, your dress was too short and showed your very wrinkled knees (stockings would have certainly helped) and your shoes may have been designer, but they were one step up from flip flops.

People notice. Some care. Some don’t. Martha Stewart, a paragon of taste, was wearing a printed wrap dress. Was this an ode to Ms. von Furstenberg? Rita Wilson is forgiven. She’s an actress. But waz up with the glitter, glow and sparkle you chose to wear for your funeral attire?

This isn’t just about the women. Steven Spielberg looked like a ringmaster from the circus.

Walk past any church or attend a funeral of the 99% and you almost certainly will see respectful dressing on the part of the men women and their children. Yes, generalizing, I know, but probably closer to the truth.

Ooops. Gotta go get a manicure. My nails look like I’ve been rock climbing for the last 4 weeks and I need to change what I’m wearing. I look like crap and I’m goin’ out.